Manila: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Monday said the new PHP44.7 million farm-to-market roads (FMRs) in Palawan are expected to help spur agricultural activities in the province. In a news release, the DAR said the newly completed roads would provide accessibility for local farmers, directly benefiting 1,075 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the First Legislative District of Palawan. On Sept. 19, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III led the turnover of three FMRs to Palawan local government units (LGUs). The three FMRs are located in key agricultural areas: from Sitio Nalbot to Arado in Barangay Poblacion, Taytay (0.481 kilometers), Busuang to Caruray in Barangay Caramay, Roxas (0.580 kilometers), and Barangay San Nicolas to Caniogan, Coron (0.300 kilometers). 'These roads are designed to enhance connectivity between farming communities and local markets, fostering economic activity and improving the overall quality of life for farmers,' Estrella sai d. 'We must address the concerns and needs of our farmers to ensure that the lands we distribute are productive enough to improve their livelihoods." Estrella said the provision of support services is part of the DAR's ongoing efforts to enhance food production and improve the lives of farmers. He said that through these FMRs, farmers would have cheaper and easier access to their destinations. Hence, the time saved from their usual trip could be spent cultivating their farms to increase their yields in the coming days. Source: Philippines News agency